The Valkyrie Dean rebirth project

[SIx String Chef]

Well, I guess it's time to get busy... If you remember, not too long ago I exposed the convoluted "factory-mass-production" electronic guts of my Dean VX, AKA "Valkyrie" for you lovely people to witness. I have now stripped her innards completely and started working on reconstructing / upgrading her.



Here's the original electronics, some of which I will reuse (just the switch and maybe the chiclet cap (Z100 473J). Although I'm seriously considering building myself a little stock of good quality electronics (nothing boutique-y or "artisanal", mind you, just reliable quality and performance), to use in the further rebirth projects that will follow this one. But that'll come later.



Right now I'm at the shielding stage, with the basic ground wiring and inter-connections between cavities waiting to be laid out and properly soldered. I didn't shield the output jack cavity as it's really tight to maneuver in and I don't see much practical use to it.





Regarding the electronics and wiring I mentioned above, if any of you fine folks (especially my Canuck compatriots) know of a good place here in Canada (or in the USA that would ship to here, if it comes to that) that sells good quality pushback cloth hookup wire (Gavitt 18 AWG preferably) and electronic components in medium qtys at reasonable, non-gougey prices, I'd really appreciate your pointing me to them and who to contact for that purpose.

More to follow, thanks in advance!!

 

[eSGEe]

sweet GOnna sound huge through the MARSHALL VS

 

[SIx String Chef]

Oh, yes!!!

 

[syscokid]

More to follow, thanks in advance!!

Any updates to this project?

 

[iblive]

Don’t know if it helps. On the last couple projects of mine, I’ve used RS Guitar Works, Stewmac and oddly Sweetwater to source a lot of the goodies I’ve needed. Can be pricey… but I know when I order from them I’m gonna get what I ordered in a timely manner. Usually no more than 2-3 days.

I have started to research online sites. Check reviews etc. Not just for guitars but at work. What I’ve discovered is that not all sites are legit. And you will get ripped off. One reason I will spend a little more to deal with a reputable site.

RS Guitarworks | Winchester, KY

RS Guitarworks, Winchester KY. Handcrafted Custom Guitars, Electronics, Upgrades, Accessories, and more!

store.rsguitarworks.net

Everything for building and repairing stringed instruments! - StewMac

Luthier tools, guitar parts, and supplies for instrument builders, repair shops, hobbyists, and players worldwide. Same day shipping, free technical support, and quality you can trust — for life!

www.stewmac.com

 

[eSGEe]

go get em Chef--- COOK IT UP!

 

[Ramo]

Well, I guess it's time to get busy... If you remember, not too long ago I exposed the convoluted "factory-mass-production" electronic guts of my Dean VX, AKA "Valkyrie" for you lovely people to witness. I have now stripped her innards completely and started working on reconstructing / upgrading her.

View attachment 71878

Here's the original electronics, some of which I will reuse (just the switch and maybe the chiclet cap (Z100 473J). Although I'm seriously considering building myself a little stock of good quality electronics (nothing boutique-y or "artisanal", mind you, just reliable quality and performance), to use in the further rebirth projects that will follow this one. But that'll come later.

View attachment 71879

Right now I'm at the shielding stage, with the basic ground wiring and inter-connections between cavities waiting to be laid out and properly soldered. I didn't shield the output jack cavity as it's really tight to maneuver in and I don't see much practical use to it.

View attachment 71880

View attachment 71881

Regarding the electronics and wiring I mentioned above, if any of you fine folks (especially my Canuck compatriots) know of a good place here in Canada (or in the USA that would ship to here, if it comes to that) that sells good quality pushback cloth hookup wire (Gavitt 18 AWG preferably) and electronic components in medium qtys at reasonable, non-gougey prices, I'd really appreciate your pointing me to them and who to contact for that purpose.

More to follow, thanks in advance!!

Orange foil looks like a salmon fish in there

 

[SIx String Chef]

Any updates to this project?

Hey, Sysco! Yup, update follows: Had to pause all practical projects for a couple of weeks because I am moving my guitar tinkering workspace from a coffee table in my living room and the garage, to my daughter's now vacant former bedroom. Upgrading to a functional workbench as you may see on the left.





Still have to mend some holes on the walls that the electrician made to upgrade the wiring at home and paint them, hang a few posters and pics to make the space more friendly. Then, install a few guitar hooks on the wall and get the pile of things you see classified and stored into their proper place. Oh, and soundproof as best I can because this is next door to our bedroom...

But having said that, I can restart work shortly on soldering and tinkering on the workbench, just need to clear some space on the near wall to move the bench there. And as we say in this neck of the woods... Bob's yer uncle! Back to work on Valkyrie... and ALL other projects!

I'll make the formal introduction via a new thread soon...

 

[iblive]

Hey, Sysco! Yup, update follows: Had to pause all practical projects for a couple of weeks because I am moving my guitar tinkering workspace from a coffee table in my living room and the garage, to my daughter's now vacant former bedroom. Upgrading to a functional workbench as you may see on the left.

View attachment 72743

View attachment 72744

Still have to mend some holes on the walls that the electrician made to upgrade the wiring at home and paint them, hang a few posters and pics to make the space more friendly. Then, install a few guitar hooks on the wall and get the pile of things you see classified and stored into their proper place. But I can restart work on soldering and tinkering on the workbench, just need to clear some space on the near wall to move the bench there. And as we say in this neck of the woods... Bob's yer uncle! Back to work on Valkyrie...

I'll make the formal introduction via a new thread soon...

You’ll have things so organized you won’t be able to kind any of it.

Looking good though. Gonna beat a coffee table for sure.

 

[SIx String Chef]

Orange foil looks like a salmon fish in there

And Valkyrie is going to sound even tastier when I'm done upgrading her!!!

 

[SIx String Chef]

Don’t know if it helps. On the last couple projects of mine, I’ve used RS Guitar Works, Stewmac and oddly Sweetwater to source a lot of the goodies I’ve needed. Can be pricey… but I know when I order from them I’m gonna get what I ordered in a timely manner. Usually no more than 2-3 days.

I have started to research online sites. Check reviews etc. Not just for guitars but at work. What I’ve discovered is that not all sites are legit. And you will get ripped off. One reason I will spend a little more to deal with a reputable site.

RS Guitarworks | Winchester, KY

RS Guitarworks, Winchester KY. Handcrafted Custom Guitars, Electronics, Upgrades, Accessories, and more!

store.rsguitarworks.net

Everything for building and repairing stringed instruments! - StewMac

Luthier tools, guitar parts, and supplies for instrument builders, repair shops, hobbyists, and players worldwide. Same day shipping, free technical support, and quality you can trust — for life!

www.stewmac.com

Thanks for the leads, IB! Anyone in particular you recommend I make contact with at RS Guitarworks?

 

[iblive]

Thanks for the leads, IB! Anyone in particular you recommend I make contact with at RS Guitarworks?

I do not. Only ordered thru their Website. I did contact them via email on one of my orders I felt was taking a bit too long. Someone responded right away. Had not known where they were located. Several months ago. Their area had been hit by some storms and whole areas had lost power. Kinda felt like an ass. A few days later I had my parts. Also why I tend to purchase from reputable dealers. Customer service.

 

[syscokid]

to my daughter's now vacant former bedroom.

Ha ha, that's how it all began with me. Except it was my son's now vacant former bedroom...

 

[SIx String Chef]

I do not. Only ordered thru their Website. I did contact them via email on one of my orders I felt was taking a bit too long. Someone responded right away. Had not known where they were located. Several months ago. Their area had been hit by some storms and whole areas had lost power. Kinda felt like an ass. A few days later I had my parts. Also why I tend to purchase from reputable dealers. Customer service.

I hear you, IB... Id rather go to them than StewMac... I know they're good and that they are knowledgeable... but for some reason, I have not been able to shake off from my head the impression that their wares are grossly overpriced... I'd much rather help a smaller mom and pop, family run-ish business.

 

[SIx String Chef]

Ha ha, that's how it all began with me. Except it was my son's now vacant former bedroom...

And THAT, right there, IS the true circle of life, my friend!!

 

[iblive]

I hear you, IB... Id rather go to them than StewMac... I know they're good and that they are knowledgeable... but for some reason, I have not been able to shake off from my head the impression that their wares are grossly overpriced... I'd much rather help a smaller mom and pop, family run-ish business.

I get that with Stewmac. Some of their stuff is definitely on the high end for price. Mostly what I’ve ordered from them has been the nickel and dime parts. So hasn’t hurt the wallet too much.

 

[Ramo]

And Valkyrie is going to sound even tastier when I'm done upgrading her!!!

Come on fishy,come on fishy, lets hear you scream

 

[SIx String Chef]

Well, new update... I got the space and workbench in a decent enough shape to at least attempt some soldering on Val...

So, following the teachings of Messrs. Von H. and Don O., I kinda routed the starter ground wire between the neck and bridge pup cavities, soldering towards the centre of each one to take advantage of a couple of dimples in the original woodwork, to better seat the solder patch.



The wire is anchored to the sides with little drops of bedazzling hot-glue from a hobby glue gun I borrowed from The Missus. A little untidy and wonky, but in my defense, this is my very first time doing so.


Still have to solder the other end of the wire to the control cavity, but first I need to get a better Idea of the wire harness I need to make and which would be the best place to do the ground hub. The switch and pots shaft holes are located quite close to the wall and make it somehow tight to maneuver in. All guidance and critiques are greatly appreciated as learning opportunities! I'll keep posting as I progress in this endeavour.

 

[SIx String Chef]

Quick tease: See what the site being down made me do...
More updates tomorrow. I'm going to cut some z's!

 

[Don O]

Well, new update... I got the space and workbench in a decent enough shape to at least attempt some soldering on Val...

So, following the teachings of Messrs. Von H. and Don O., I kinda routed the starter ground wire between the neck and bridge pup cavities, soldering towards the centre of each one to take advantage of a couple of dimples in the original woodwork, to better seat the solder patch.

View attachment 72988

The wire is anchored to the sides with little drops of bedazzling hot-glue from a hobby glue gun I borrowed from The Missus. A little untidy and wonky, but in my defense, this is my very first time doing so.

View attachment 72992
Still have to solder the other end of the wire to the control cavity, but first I need to get a better Idea of the wire harness I need to make and which would be the best place to do the ground hub. The switch and pots shaft holes are located quite close to the wall and make it somehow tight to maneuver in. All guidance and critiques are greatly appreciated as learning opportunities! I'll keep posting as I progress in this endeavour.

I never solder to the copper shielding. I simply use solder lugs and screw them in.